Purchasing Specialist jobs
Procurement and supply chain management are an important part of any company, no matter what the industry or business model.
The Purchasing Specialist for a manufacturing facility, for example, will need to find suppliers and liaise with them to ensure the raw materials for a project are delivered on time and within budget. That way, production can continue at the intended pace.
Meanwhile, the Purchasing Specialist for a supermarket chain will source the various products sold in shops, making sure all products are priced competitively and that shelves are always well stocked.
Of course, having too much of something could actually be detrimental to a company. Warehouse space for overstocked goods can be difficult to find and the extra inventory can be problematic for a company’s bottom line. As a Purchasing Specialist, you will need to find and maintain the right balance.
The skills required
Depending on the employer, the role of a Purchasing Specialist will vary. In any position, however, strong organisational skills and an ability to communicate and negotiate effectively are essential. You should also be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the systems and software that are commonly used in the field.
Self-motivation is important, and you should always be looking for ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs and improve customer perceptions. In most cases, you will also be responsible for reporting on KPIs to company stakeholders.
Many Purchasing Specialists will be team leaders and daily tasks may include training and providing guidance to staff, as well as dealing with any problems as they arise.
Purchasing Specialist Jobs in Ipswich
Situated in the county of Suffolk, Ipswich is a lovely place, located on the River Orwell. It's a thriving community, with a stunning waterfront and many historic buildings. Plus there are a number of opportunities for those seeking Purchasing Specialist vacancies.
As one of England's oldest towns, Ipswich has a history that dates back to the Roman Empire when a fort was built in the vicinity.
The town really began to form, however, during the Anglo-Saxon period and during the seventh and eighth centuries it was an important trading port with Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. The nearby Sutton Hoo archaeological site has been an extremely important place for those interested in studying the life and culture of ancient Britons from this period.
Ipswich was granted its first charter in 1200 and for the next four hundred years, it carried on as a market town and trading hub. During the 1600s it was also a common port for those boarding ships and sailing to the New World.
During the Industrial Revolution and well into the 20th century, Ipswich was known for agricultural manufacturing, with enterprises ranging from sugar beet processing through to motorised lawnmower production.
Today, many of the industrial buildings have been converted to offices and flats, although the port still sees millions of tonnes of cargo pass through every year.
Much of the local economy is now based in the service sector and IT. Adastral Park is a massive business park, home to BT's global innovation and development centre, while other tech companies with offices in the area include Fujitsu, Ericsson, Cisco, O2 and Nokia Siemens.
Popular locations
Discover Purchasing Specialist roles with Cast UK
Based in Manchester, Cast UK undertakes recruitment projects for clients throughout the country, helping to find the right talent for every vacancy.
Our team of consultants have previously worked in these fields, meaning they have an understanding of what makes a good candidate. We also have a team of regional specialists who can provide advice about the job market in particular areas.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Purchasing Specialist for your business or find you a job as a Purchasing Specialist then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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